The Fermanagh South Tyrone MP, who lobbied for the programme to be reinstated following a funding cut last year, commented:

“I
welcome the decision by the Department and the PHA to reinstate the
breastfeeding awareness campaign. There is a clear need to build public
awareness of breastfeeding as the island of Ireland has the lowest rate
of breastfeeding in the EU. This campaign will play a vital role in
encouraging women to breast feed and to build public awareness of the
benefits of breastfeeding.

“For those who choose to breastfeed, many significant health and social benefits exist for a mother and her child.

“I
have engaged with the Department of Health on a regular basis to make
the case for reinstating the PHA public information campaign and I am delighted that the Department and the PHA have now reinstated the programme.